Ekiti Urges Collective Action to improve Children’s Healthcare Access…The Ekiti State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for children and has urged stakeholders from all sectors to play an active role in achieving this goal. This call was made as part of the state’s ongoing drive to strengthen maternal and child health services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Recognizing that child health is a crucial foundation for a productive society, the state government has rolled out several programs aimed at reducing childhood illnesses and mortality, while ensuring that children have access to the healthcare they need from an early age. These efforts are being led by the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), which has become a central force in coordinating outreach and development initiatives related to child health across the state.
One of the most notable initiatives is the Ulerawa Program, which is designed to improve access to cost-effective health services for mothers and children. The program focuses on strengthening primary healthcare delivery, expanding immunization coverage, and scaling up high-impact interventions. Its beneficiaries include pregnant women, children under the age of five, and individuals at risk of malaria. Through Ulerawa, the state aims to reduce preventable diseases and ensure that no child is left behind in receiving basic health services.
In continuation of its child-centered health approach, the state has also been intensifying efforts around vaccination campaigns. In 2024, SPHCDA organized sensitization workshops for education secretaries across all 16 local government areas in preparation for the Integrated Supplemental Measles Vaccination Campaign. The target was to vaccinate at least 95 percent of eligible children against measles, a disease that continues to threaten child health in parts of the country. By engaging education officials and community leaders, the agency hopes to create awareness and ensure widespread participation in the campaign.
Alongside these health initiatives, the Ekiti State Government is investing significantly in infrastructure to support its healthcare goals. As part of its 2025 agenda, the state plans to renovate and equip over 100 health centers spread across the 16 LGAs. This renovation effort is backed by the World Bank-supported Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project. The aim of the project is to boost immunization coverage, reduce under-five mortality rates, and encourage residents to make better use of health facilities by improving the quality and accessibility of services offered.
To support community-level outreach, the state also inaugurated over 350 Community Health Vanguards—volunteers trained to raise awareness about health issues and guide residents toward appropriate services. These vanguards serve as essential links between the healthcare system and the public, especially in remote communities where access to information and services is limited. Through their work, many families are now more informed about the benefits of routine immunization, antenatal care, and other essential child health interventions.
In addition to programs and infrastructure, the government is making legislative efforts to improve service delivery. A bill has been submitted to the State House of Assembly aimed at eradicating quackery in the healthcare system. According to the state government, unqualified medical practitioners pose a major risk to public health, particularly for mothers and children. If passed into law, the bill will help to ensure that only certified professionals are allowed to provide care, thereby safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable populations.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration has consistently stated that improving the health of children is not the sole responsibility of the government, but a collective task requiring the involvement of all—traditional leaders, civil society, healthcare workers, development partners, and private sector actors. The state is urging these groups to collaborate in ensuring that every child, regardless of location or background, has access to the health services they need to thrive.
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By combining infrastructure upgrades, community engagement, policy reforms, and targeted healthcare programs, Ekiti is taking a comprehensive approach to child health. The government believes that with sustained support and cooperation from all stakeholders, the dream of equitable and effective healthcare for every child in the state can become a reality.
